Horticulturist
Full time position (30-40 hours per week) with benefits
Hourly rate:  $13.50 - $14.50/hour, depending on experience
Must be able and willing to work evenings and weekends, as needed. 



POSITION SUMMARY:

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a nationally distinguished public garden known for its vibrant and eclectic collection of plants and elegant seasonal displays. The Garden includes over nine acres of outdoor display beds, including formal gardens, perennial gardens and annual display beds. The Horticulturist is the frontline horticultural agent at the Garden and is primarily responsible for maintaining the highest quality display at all times. The Horticulturist must manage time, space and resources to identify and address the most relevant maintenance needs of the large and dynamic plant collection. The Horticulturist is a production oriented position within the department and performs all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance. Garden Horticulturists are integrated company staff members and actively participate in all forms of Garden programs and events, especially exhibit installations and education.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS:

• Maintains all public garden areas to be safe, tidy and a daily representation of the highest level of horticultural display and maintenance standards.
• Manages herbaceous perennials for health and reliable and persistent bloom quality. Manages perennial plant containment and migration.
• Manages woody shrubs and small trees for health, structure and scale, as well as display quality.
• Coordinates large tree management and removals with the Director of Horticulture and Lead Horticulturist.
• Maintains display gardens to be relatively weed free.
• Understands and supports the original design intent of separate gardens and garden areas.
• Identifies projects and renovations and coordinates project execution with the Director of Horticulture.
• Assists the Director of Horticulture and Lead Horticulturist with design development for seasonal outdoor displays.
• Supports the bi-annual rotation and maintenance of approximately ten thousand square feet of annual display beds, including bed preparation, weeding and pinching and pruning.
• Responsible for the successful establishment and growth of vegetative and woody cuttings taken from the Garden to be propagated or perpetuated for various purposes.
• Builds and manages an inventory of saleable plants to support a profitable business model at the Garden Store.
• Directly responsible for all other plants grown and stored in outdoor nurseries, including crops grown to support seasonal and permanent displays.
• Performs hand-watering, as required.
• Supports an active IPM program that includes scouting and both conventional and progressive control methods.
• Responsible for plant labeling and tracking in accordance with established plant records management standards.
• Generates regular plant lists to highlight seasonal interest.
• Responds to Guest questions in the Garden, as well as via phone and e-mail correspondence.
• Oversees the training, scheduling and management of volunteers for horticultural maintenance and projects.
• Performs all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance, as required.
• Supports all Garden programs and events.
• Active involvement in educational programs, including tours, classes and presentations.
• Understands the Garden Mission Statement and supports all Garden staff, departments and Garden Leadership in pursuing and achieving institutional goals.
• Understands the guest perspective and works to support and enhance the guest experience in every way.
• Serves as an external representative of the Garden and participates in local societies, as well as public shows and competitions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Job title of supervisor to whom the position reports: Lead Horticulturist
2. Job titles of those who report directly to this position: Volunteers, Interns and Contract Employees

CONTACTS:

As an employee of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, the individual selected for this position must make a commitment to the highest level of customer service to the Garden’s internal and external customers in every way.

Internal Customers: Immediate co-workers, Leadership Team, and all Garden departments

External Customers: Guests, Donors, Volunteers, vendors and other organizations and entities

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Well rounded knowledge of a wide variety of plant species, including cultural requirements.
• Experience in maintaining the highest level of horticulture standards.
• Willingness to promote safety in the workplace.
• Ability to design and install plant-based displays.
• Working knowledge of the role of public horticulture.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a diverse audience.
• Ability to prepare and lead horticultural classes and presentations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends to meet Garden’s needs.
• Willingness to perform other duties, as assigned.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to produce a clean driving record.
• Willingness to wear a uniform and work outside
• Must be willing to serve all of our guests equally regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: